Recovery on Rucker: Recovery from Substance use Disorder

Host Jack and guest Joe Wankelman discuss Joe’s journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery, highlighting how small daily steps and community support helped him rebuild his life.
They explore the importance of safe environments, vulnerability, and perseverance to break destructive patterns and heal family wounds.
The episode emphasizes hope, practical strategies for change, and points listeners toward local resources like snocorecovers.org and everettrecoverycafe.org.
 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org 
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org

Jack sits down with Joe Wankelman, a former Apache pilot and South County Fire Commissioner, about his personal journey from combat and a 2016 suicide attempt to recovery and community leadership.
They explore how adverse childhood experiences and trauma feed addiction and homelessness, the challenges of fragmented data and funding in helping people, and the Community Resource Paramedic program’s role in supporting those in need.
Joe shares practical insights on confronting root causes, rewiring destructive patterns, and finding hope through sustained recovery and community connection.
 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org 
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org

Recovery on Rucker is dedicated to honest conversations about recovery from substance use disorder. In this episode, Recovery Court alum Sydnee Martin shares how Recovery Court helped her avoid prison and find accountability, leading to nearly five years sober. She discusses motherhood, finding a recovery community through Cocaine Anonymous, and the importance of connection in early recovery.
Sydnee also talks about rebuilding her life after incarceration—completing college, starting a master’s program, and facing the inner critic and employment barriers tied to a criminal record. The episode highlights practical Recovery Court details (sanctions, treatment expectations), lived experience, and local resources including snocorecovers.org and the Everett Recovery Café. 
 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org 
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org

Amber, a Parent Ally with the YWCA, tells her story of recovery from opioid addiction, reuniting with her teenage children, and becoming a peer mentor. She describes the new Parent Ally Mentor Lynnwood pilot program, Shelter Plus Care housing support, and the role of Family Recovery Court in accelerating reunification and services.
This episode highlights the power of peer support, counseling, and stable housing in helping parents reclaim their lives and repair family relationships, offering practical hope for anyone touched by substance use disorder. 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org 
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org
YWCA Everett Regional Center:
https://www.ywcaworks.org/locations/everett-regional-center
3301 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201  
(425) 258-2766

Recovery on Rucker features Jasmine Donahue from Hope N Wellness discussing her 14‑year recovery, how she built a zero‑barrier drop‑in center, and the services it offers—case management, peer support, walk‑in Wednesdays with food, clothing, hygiene, and help connecting to detox, treatment, housing, and employment.
The episode also covers volunteer opportunities, balancing accountability with acceptance, and the power of community partnerships to move people from crisis toward stability. 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org 
For volunteer, donation, or referral information, visit: 
Hope n' Wellness: www.hopenwellnessfoundation.org/ 
email: info@hopenwellness.org
phone: (360) 540-5104

Jack sits down with Amanda and Taylor from Recovery Beyond to discuss their documentary "Walking on Ice," an Outward Bound trip in Minnesota, and how outdoor adventures help build trust, connection, and resilience in recovery.
They share personal stories of facing trauma, training for mountains, and the wide range of Recovery Beyond programs — from hikes and kayaking to bike teams — that help people take the next step beyond their comfort zone.
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: www.snocorecovers.org 
Everett Recovery Café: www.everettrecoverycafe.org  
For more information on Recovery Beyond, visit: 
Recovery Beyond: https://www.recoverybp.org/ 
email: info@recoverybp.org
phone: (253) 778 - 6161
 

On this episode of Recovery on Rucker, Jack talks with Taylor and Amanda from Recovery Beyond about how outdoor adventures — from mountain climbs to kayaking — support recovery from substance use disorder.
They discuss a fundraiser called Harness New Heights (a rappel event), how Recovery Beyond keeps programs affordable, Taylor’s long road to sobriety and career steps, and ways the community can get involved or find support.
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: www.snocorecovers.org 
Everett Recovery Café: www.everettrecoverycafe.org  
For more information on Recovery Beyond, visit: 
Recovery Beyond: https://www.recoverybp.org/ 
email: info@recoverybp.org
phone: (253) 778 - 6161
 

Host Jack sits down with Lisa Driscoll of Lighted Pathway Recovery Solutions to discuss creating affordable recovery housing that goes beyond a bed — offering community, resources, and healing spaces for people rebuilding their lives.
Learn how The Grove and nearby units provide meetings, a gym, shared meals, family visits, and supportive case management to help residents find employment, reconnect with loved ones, and sustain long-term recovery.
 
 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org 
For volunteer, donation, or referral information, visit: 
Lighted Pathways: www.Lightedpathwaysrs.com
email: lightedpathwaysrs@gmail.com
phone: (360) 422-0235
 

Jack interviews Jen Cunningham about her 10-year recovery journey—from court-ordered treatment to years of sustained recovery, education, and parenting. She credits peer support, recovery housing, and the Recovery Cafe for helping her rebuild her life.
Now a juvenile probation counselor and board member of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition, Jen advocates for youth services, housing, and stigma reduction, and stresses the power of empathy and lived experience in shaping better policy and community support.
 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org
 

Host Summer sits down with Erin Stewart, who celebrates eight years clean and works in recovery case management. Erin shares her personal journey and how recovery became a multi-faceted lifestyle.
They explore practical tools beyond meetings—spirituality, yoga, self-care—and the importance of community, especially the support of other women. Erin also discusses teaching codependency and how staying connected can prevent relapse.
Erin offers straightforward advice like "it's okay to be selfish" in recovery, and reflects on growth, goals, and finding stability while helping others heal. 
 
Resources: 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: snocorecovers.org
Everett Recovery Café: everettrecoverycafe.org